Two big auctions on the closing days of the Sydney motor show netted record prices for number plates and collectable cars.

Records tumble at auctions

A plate bearing Ferrari's 288 model number fetched $120,000 at an auction of 100 rare plates organised by the Roads and Traffic Authority. The price was the highest paid at a public auction of plates in NSW.

The RTA auction, the first of its kind in 15 years, raised a record $4.1 million. Aside from the Ferrari plate, popular V8 engine capacity numbers 426, 428 and 429 each sold for $80,000 or more.

At an auction of classic cars, a 1967 Holden Monaro GTS 327 sold for an Australian record $220,000. The one-owner, Bathurst race special Monaro was expected to sell for between $100,000 and $130,000.

Specialist insurer Shannons organised the auction. Its national auction manager, Christopher Boribon, says there is strong demand for local muscle cars, particularly among baby boomers. A restored 1971 Valiant Charger R/T E38 Bathurst coupe also fetched an Australian record of $128,000 at the auction. Other items under the hammer included a restored 1963 150cc Vespa scooter, which sold for $8300, and a 1940s children's pedal car, which sold for $5500 - roughly double the expected price.